How to Send Videos on TikTok: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve crafted a TikTok masterpiece – a comedic skit, a mesmerizing dance, or perhaps a slice of life so poignant it demands to be shared. Now, the million-dollar question: how do you send that video to someone on TikTok? The process is surprisingly straightforward, and we’re here to break it down, step by step.

The most direct method for sending a video on TikTok involves using the app’s direct messaging feature. Here’s how it works:

1. Open TikTok and Find the Video: Locate the video you want to share. This can be your own video or one you’ve discovered on the “For You” page.
2. Tap the Share Icon: This icon, resembling an arrow pointing right, is typically located on the right side of the screen, under the comment and “like” buttons.
3. Select “Send to Friends”: A menu will pop up offering various sharing options. Look for the option to “Send to friends” or “Direct Message.” It may appear as an icon of a paper airplane or simply as a text label. Tap it.
4. Choose Your Recipient(s): You’ll be presented with a list of your TikTok friends and followers. Select the person or people you want to send the video to. You can select multiple recipients.
5. Add a Message (Optional): Before sending, you can add a message to accompany the video. This is a great way to provide context or simply say “Check this out!”
6. Hit Send: Finally, tap the “Send” button (usually located in the bottom right corner) to send the video.

That’s it! Your video is now winging its way to its intended audience.

Decoding the TikTok Sharing Galaxy: Beyond Direct Messages

While the direct message feature is the primary way to send videos within TikTok, remember the platform thrives on virality. Understanding all your sharing options is crucial. This includes sharing videos to other platforms or simply directing someone to the video on TikTok.

• Sharing to Other Platforms: The share menu also lets you send the video directly to other social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, and more. When you choose this option, TikTok will typically download the video (with the TikTok watermark, naturally) and then open the selected app, ready for you to post it. This lets you reach a wider audience beyond TikTok itself.
• Copying the Link: If you simply want to share a link to the TikTok video, select the “Copy Link” option. You can then paste this link into any messaging app, email, or document. When someone clicks the link, it will take them directly to the video on TikTok (either within the app or in their web browser).

The Unseen Power of TikTok’s Sharing Ecosystem

TikTok’s sharing options are intentionally designed to foster engagement and growth. By making it incredibly easy to share videos both within and outside the platform, TikTok fuels the viral loops that have made it a cultural phenomenon. Consider using a combination of these techniques to maximize impact.

TikTok Video Sharing FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to address some common sharing scenarios and potential roadblocks.

How Do I Send a TikTok Video to Someone Who Doesn’t Have TikTok?

You can’t directly send a video within TikTok to someone who doesn’t have the app. However, you can copy the video link and share it via text message, email, or any other messaging service. When they click the link, they’ll be prompted to view it in a web browser (although they’ll need a TikTok account, which they may be prompted to create). Another method would be to download the video via the share menu and send it via standard messaging, email, or other media-sharing options. Keep in mind this method could require you to manually crop out the TikTok watermark.

Can I Send a Private TikTok Video?

If your TikTok account is set to private, only your approved followers can see your videos. Therefore, you can only send private videos to your existing followers through direct messages. If you want someone who isn’t a follower to see it, you’ll need to make the video public (temporarily or permanently) or approve them as a follower first.

Why Can’t I Send Videos to Certain People on TikTok?

There are a few possible reasons:

• They Haven’t Enabled Direct Messaging: Users can restrict who can send them direct messages in their privacy settings. If they’ve disabled DMs or limited them to only friends, you may not be able to send them a video.
• You’re Not Following Each Other: Some users may only allow direct messages from people they follow.
• Technical Glitch: Occasionally, there might be a temporary technical issue with TikTok’s messaging system. Try again later or restart the app.
• You are Blocked: If a user has blocked you, you won’t be able to send them messages, including videos.

Is There a Limit to How Many Videos I Can Send on TikTok?

TikTok doesn’t explicitly state a daily limit on the number of videos you can send, but sending an excessive amount of messages in a short period might flag your account as spam, potentially leading to temporary restrictions. It’s best to share responsibly.

How Do I Know If Someone Saw the Video I Sent on TikTok?

TikTok shows a “Seen” indicator under the message when the recipient has viewed the video. However, like many messaging apps, the recipient can disable read receipts in their privacy settings, meaning you won’t see the “Seen” indicator even if they have watched the video.

Can I Send a Video That Someone Else Sent Me?

Yes, you can easily resend a video that you’ve received. Simply tap the share icon within the direct message conversation, and follow the same steps as you would to send any other video.

How Can I Download a TikTok Video to Send via Text?

Tap the share icon on the video and select the “Save Video” option. This will download the video to your phone’s gallery. You can then attach it to a text message like any other video file. However, remember that downloaded TikTok videos will include the platform’s watermark.

Can I Send a Live Video Recording on TikTok?

No, you can’t send a live video recording directly through TikTok’s messaging. Live videos disappear after they end unless the creator chooses to post a highlight. If the user chooses to post a highlight, you can then share that.

Can I Undo Sending a Video?

Yes, you can unsend a message on TikTok. Simply long-press the message you want to delete, and select “Unsend.” This will remove the message from both your and the recipient’s inbox. Be aware that the recipient may have already seen the video before you unsend it.

What Does It Mean When a Video Says “Unavailable” After I Send It?

This typically means that the video has been deleted by the original poster, made private, or is no longer available due to copyright issues.

How Do I Share My TikTok Profile with Someone?

To share your profile, go to your profile page and tap the three dots in the top right corner. From the menu that appears, select “Share Profile“. You can then choose to share via direct message, copy the link, or send it to other apps.

Can I Send a TikTok Video as an Email Attachment?

Yes, after saving the video, which will include the watermark, you can attach it to an email and send it as an attachment. Please, note that some email providers have size limits for attachments, so longer videos might need to be compressed or split into multiple parts. It’s generally better to send a link to the TikTok video if possible, as it avoids size limitations.